Snow...

Posted on Monday 30 October 2006 at 10:18

It's usually around October 31 that we get our first truly cold weather. It's been that way since I went trick-or-treating as a kid. Our family doesn't follow that tradition; instead we hole up at home with bargain-bin candy and a movie a day or two later. You can blame the weather.

It's coming down outside right now, has been all day. It feels a bit like a day to bake for Christmas or do something homey... But at the same time, all I can think about is next year. I've literally taken the entire time off since we got back from the West Coast, wanting time to do other things and take a breather.

Now, I'd like to be making potting soil, sourcing organic seeds and figuring out advertising. But at the same time, I know I need to let off and wait, or I'm going to hate it all by next June.

And then will come deliveries, and I'll love it again. Gardening's never been so much fun as it was this year, sharing it with others.

The bees will soon be to bed, tucked away in the barn to keep them from freezing to death. Right now, they've got corn syrup on to allow them some winter feed that won't crystallize the way honey does. They need water to break down the hardened honey, but it's in the same state once it gets cold out. Corn syrup provides a good alternative. They eat it all by the time the nectar's out in spring.

Dave intends to keep up with his biodiesel through the winter, if possible. His grand scheme is to put a heated slip tank on the truck. That will be fine for December. Come January and February, I'm wondering how often I'm going to be stranded on the road with slushy fuel in the line. This may get tense. I'll keep my cell phone charged.

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Posted by GrandmaRosie on Tuesday 31 October 2006 at 12:36 - Link

I am very interesting in learning to keep bees. I plan to attend a class in the spring. Cold weather is pretty rare here. It comes and goes, but mostly stays away!

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Posted by Carol on Tuesday 31 October 2006 at 09:21 - Link

I was wondering if you had gotten now in your area. We probably have about 20 cm. Everything is so pretty outside. It's my favorite time of the year.
~carol

Snow <sigh>

Posted by jackiebridgen on Wednesday 1 November 2006 at 09:14 - Link

Hey, Cat!

I am sooooooo envious of you. I would love just even a short season when we were certain to have snow, each year.

Shink claims to have heard a weather forecaster the other days say for sure that there will be no snow all winter!

Think she misheard, but she could be right.

And I\'m in seed catalogue mode, too. Whereas I ought to be in Making Christmas Gifts mode! Always out of sync, as ever!

Jackie

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Posted by Katrina3K in TN on Saturday 18 November 2006 at 01:49 - Link

so do you have a good \"potting soil\" recipe? I\'m getting in the mood to plant and have some seedlings soon, too, though it is still a bit early :)



My newest \"thing\" is hydroponics - reading up on it as much as I can. It\'s fascinating! Before I even try a simple home hydro system, though, I need to get in gear and get my cold frames built. I\'m hoping to have lettuces and spinach through the (milder than you have) winter, and start my brassicas early for harvest in early spring. So many grand plans, so little time!

strange...

Posted by Katrina3K in TN on Saturday 18 November 2006 at 01:50 - Link

Hmmm.
Not sure why the last post is all goofy-looking... sorry!

Hey Kat

Posted by MrsBurns on Friday 5 January 2007 at 10:56 - Link

I miss you...what's going on the bitter cold tundra? I'll look in on the other blogs to see if you are posting. Otherwise, getting a bit worried about you....DeniseB